Elastin-mimetic protein polymers capable of physical and chemical crosslinking.
We report the synthesis of a new class of recombinant elastin-mimetic triblock copolymer capable of both physical and chemical crosslinking. These investigations were motivated by a desire to capture features unique to both physical and chemical crosslinking schemes so as to exert optimal control over a wide range of potential properties afforded by protein-based multiblock materials. We postulated that by chemically locking a multiblock protein assembly in place, functional responses that are linked to specific domain structures and morphologies may be preserved over a broader range of loading conditions that would otherwise disrupt microphase structure solely stabilized by physical crosslinking. Specifically, elastic modulus was enhanced and creep strain reduced through the addition of chemical crosslinking sites. Additionally, we have demonstrated excellent in vivo biocompatibility of glutaraldehyde treated multiblock systems.
Sallach
Rory E
RE
Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
Cui
Wanxing
W
Wen
Jing
J
Martinez
Adam
A
Conticello
Vincent P
VP
Chaikof
Elliot L
EL
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D040761:Biomimetic Materials / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry; D004549:Elastin / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D005549:Foreign-Body Reaction; D005976:Glutaral / Q000494:pharmacology; D020100:Hydrogels; D008422:Materials Testing; D055595:Mechanical Phenomena; D051379:Mice; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010455:Peptides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation; D012212:Rheology; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D055682:Viscoelastic Substances / Q000378:metabolism
D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D020100:Hydrogels; D010455:Peptides; D055682:Viscoelastic Substances; D004549:Elastin; D005976:Glutaral